Dennis "Muff" James Hitchler

Dennis "Muff" J. Hitchler, 65, of Spalding, NE, died Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at the Good Samaritan Society in Albion, NE.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 22, 2024, at St. Michael's Church in Spalding, NE with Fr. Neal Nollette and Deacon Ron Glaser officiating. Inurnment will follow at St. Michael's Cemetery, Spalding, NE. Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 p.m. Sunday at the church with a 7:00 p.m. wake service.

Levander Funeral Home of Spalding, NE is in charge of arrangements.

Dennis "Muff" James Hitchler, son of Carl Eugene and Elizabeth Louise (O'Neill) Hitchler was born February 8, 1958, at St. John's Hospital in Spalding, NE. Muff attended Spalding Public School and graduated with the class of 1977. After graduation, Muff was a welder at Molt Manufacturing in Spalding for many years, and later a truck driver for many local farmers, and for Country Partners Cooperative, also in Spalding.

Muff was a lifelong member of St. Michael's Catholic Church. He was a former 25+ year member of the Spalding Volunteer Fire Department. Muff was involved in both golf and bowling leagues in Spalding. He won a few golf tournaments in his day, and even has his name posted on the wall at Kealy's Tavern & Bowl. Muff was a hard worker and had a knack for fixing all things broken, whether it be broken machinery, a golf cart, or a pink bicycle. He was known as a gentle giant and loved spending time with his nieces and nephews. If you knew Muff, you might have caught him watching a good western, having a few Lord Calvert's, or cruising around in his pickup listening to Shania Twain.

Muff is survived by his six siblings: Joan (Denny) Goodrich of Greeley, NE; Gene (Jeannie) Hitchler of Norfolk, NE; Pat (Theresa) Hitchler of Spalding, NE; Mike Hitchler of Spalding, NE; Mary (Robbie) Langer of Spalding, NE; Jim (Kara) Hitchler of LeMars, IA; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.